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Zilala |
Amnesty International has suspended its branch in Zimbabwe
over massive fraud and serious mismanagement.
In a statement, Amnesty International said, “The
International Board of Amnesty International has taken the unprecedented step
of suspending Amnesty International Zimbabwe (AIZ) from the global movement and
placing it under administration following evidence of fraud and serious
financial misconduct.
“An extensive forensic audit was conducted in late 2018
which uncovered evidence of fraud and serious financial mismanagement by
individuals in AIZ. National law enforcement agencies were notified of the
findings earlier this year and the organization also commenced the legal
process of civil recovery in order to recoup lost funds.”
Amnesty International’s International Board assured the
public that since the allegations first came to light, urgent financial risk
management measures have been put in place to ensure anti-fraud and corruption
procedures are adhered to and that donor funds are safe.
“… The decision has been made to take extraordinary
measures on AIZ to protect the reputation, integrity and operation of the
movement. It is with regret that it is now clear that AIZ has not been able to
take the necessary steps in its duty of good governance.
“Amnesty International is committed to working hand in
glove with the appropriate authorities and is providing full assistance to all
current investigations to ensure that any individual found to have been
involved in misconduct is held to account.”
Amnesty International Southern Africa’s media manager,
Robert Shivambu, declined to comment further saying investigations are in
progress.
However, the former director of AIZ, Cousin Zilala, claims
that he was forced to step down by top officials who later conducted a forensic
audit without having his input.
“They forced me to leave and started conducting a forensic
audit without my input and some of my colleagues Takesure Musiyiwa and
Sibongile Zimbeva who were also told to step down. We were cleared of any wrong
doing by the police and now we are demanding $3 million from Amnesty
International for defamation.”
There was no immediate police comment. voa
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